How to Keep Kids Hydrated This Summer

Keeping kids hydrated can pose a few challenges… They may not like the taste of water and prefer sugary drinks. And sometimes an overlooked spill could lead to an injury from slipping and falling.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Children

Depending upon a child’s sex and age, he or she should drink at least 10 cups of water a day. Other factors of dehydration include physical activity and air temperature as well as humidity level.

Some symptoms of dehydration include:

Extremely dry mouth

Decreased urination

Fatigue

Weakness or dizziness

Crying without tears

Causes of Dehydration in Children

Dehydration is not just a summer health concern. It can happen any time during the year with common causes including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.

Don’t wait for your kids to tell you they’re thirsty before offering them water. Here are a few tips to ensure that they get their recommended intake of fluids with these five tips.

Offer it up

Sometimes it’s as simple as asking if they’re thirsty and making sure water is readily available. Be sure to pack a water bottle before they head for the day and keep one handy for yourself.

Create a reminder system for drinking water

Whether you set a timer on your phone when you’re out with the kids, or if you create a chart on the refrigerator, create a system that helps track when it’s time to take a drink to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day.

Include water-based fruits and vegetables in their diet

Many fruits and vegetables are great sources of water as well as being a nutritious snack. Be sure to pack lunches that include fruits and vegetables with a high-water content such as watermelon, strawberries, celery, and cucumbers.

Make water easily accessible

If your little ones are unable to reach the sink or the water tap in your refrigerator, consider setting up an easy-to-reach water dispenser in your home to encourage them drink water.

Make sipping fun

Just like anything your child doesn’t want to do, you have to entice them and make it fun and exciting. Make sipping fun by letting them pick out their own drinking cups and reusable bottles in their favorite colors or decorated with their favorite animated characters.

If you think your child may be dehydrated, be sure to visit an urgent care center immediately. You can also discuss concerns about hydration during pediatric wellness exams.